Paperboard cover for can package



Feb. 21, 1967 ROSS] 3,305,085

PAPERBOARD COVER FOR CANPACKAGE Filed March 4, 1966 3 Sheets$heet l INVENTOR C L C HARRY J. ROSSI ATTORNEYS Feb. 21, 1967 H. .1. R058! PAPEHBOARD COVER FOR CAN PACKAGE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 4, 1966 Q5 R v. w 0& mm 8 LZN V V4. W m. A m m R A H a 0% a Bfl Feb. 21, 1967 H. .1. ROSSI 3,305,085

PAPERBOARD COVER FOR CAN PACKAGE Filed March 4, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 HIM v INVENTOR HARRY J. ROSSI ORNEYj United States Patent F 3,305,085 PAPERBOARD COVER FOR CAN PACKAGE Harry J. Rossi, Elkhart, Ind., assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 531,871 8 Claims. (Cl. 206-65) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in can packages, and more particularly to a protective cover for a can package.

Heretofore, cans, particularly cans of beer and other drinks have been packaged in a wrap-around carton which protects the opposite ends of the cans. Recently there has been developed a can package forming member in the form of a sheet of plastic having can receiving sleeves therein. This package forming member is inexpensive as compared to the wrap-around cartons and while it provides a suitable package which may be readily carried, it offers no protection to the ends of the cans against dust and other foreign matter. While cans having'plain ends may be readily wiped before the dispensing of the product therefrom, when the can ends are of the easy opening type, including pull tabs, there is a tendency for the dust to collect beneath the pull tabs and such dust cannot be readily removed.

In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a novel protective cover which may be utilized in combination with a can package solely for the purpose of protecting the ends of the cans against foreign matter, the protective cover having means for interlocking engagement with the package forming member and being readily applied to the can package.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel protective cover for a can package, the protective cover being formed of an inexpensive paperboard product and having connecting means thereon for locking the same securely to the package.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel inexpensive protective cover for use with can packages for the purpose of protecting the closed upper ends of cans against foreign elements, including dust and dirt, the protective cover being provided at the ends thereof with connecting means which terminate in hooks which may be interlocked with a package forming member, and the particular cover also being provided with struck out tabs which define finger receiving openings in the protective cover and the tabs having means for interlocking engagement with the package forming member to further secure the protective cover in place.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a protective cover formed in accordance with this invention and shows the same prior to the application thereof to a can package.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a can package having applied thereto the protective cover of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

3,305,085 Patented Feb. 21, 1967 ice FIGURE 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view similar to FIGURE 6 and shows a slightly modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of still another form of protective cover and shows the general details thereof.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 and shows the protective cover of FIGURE 10 applied to a can package.

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 1212 of FIGURE 11.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURE 2 a can package which is generally referred to by the numeral 20. The can package 20 is formed of a plurality of conventional cans C which are arranged in two rows and which are connected together by a package forming member which is generally referred to by the numeral 21. The can package 20 has associated therewith a protective cover which is formed in accordance with this invention and which is generally referred to by the numeral 22. In order to fully appreciate the purpose of the protective cover 22 and the manner in which it is retained in place, it is first necessary to fully understand the details of the can package 20. Accordingly, the can package 20 will be described in detail herebelow.

Each can C is formed of a can body 23 having the lower end thereof closed by an end 24 and the upper end thereof closed by an end 25. The ends 24 and 25 are secured to the can 'body 23 by means of a double seam 26 having an outwardly projecting portion which may be considered a chime.

The package forming member 21 is in the form of a plastic sheet 27 which has projecting upwardly therefrom in accordance with the spacing of the cans C, sleeves 28. The sleeves 28 snugly engage the upper portions of the can bodies 23 and are locked beneath the upper double seams or chimes 26. It is to be understood that the sleeves 28 may be shrunk around the can bodies C.

In order to facilitate the carrying of the can package 20, the plastic sheet 27 is provided between each four adjacent cans C with finger receiving openings 29. Each finger receiving opening 29 has projecting thereinto a flap 30 which is deflected downwardly and against the centermost cans C when the can package is grasped for carrying purposes.

The .can package 20, as described above, has the disadvantage in that there is no protective wrapping for the cans. It will thus be apparent that due to exposure to foreign matter in storage and handling, the upper ends 25 in particular become coated with foreign matter. When the ends 25 are of the'smooth conventional type, they may be readily wiped clean before they are opened. On the other hand, when the ends 25 are of the easy opening type utilizing pull members, the foreign matter which settles on the ends 25 in part collects beneath the pull members in locations where it cannot be readily removed. Then, when the cans are opened, this foreign matter exists on the can ends immediately adjacent the openings formed therein with a portion of the foreign matter dropping into the can through the newly formed opening therein. Such a condition is an undesirable one. In view of this, it is proposed, in accordance with this invention, to provide a simple and inexpensive protective cover which may be incorporated in the can package 20.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 in particular, it will be seen that the protective cover 22 includes a main body panel 31 which is generally rectangular in outline, but has scalloped edges so as to conform to the configuration of the can package 20. The cover 22 is provided at the opposite ends of the body panel 31 with a pair of flaps 32 which are connected to the body panel 31 along transverse fold lines 33. Each flap 32 has hingedly connected thereto connecting means which are generally referred to by the numeral 34. Each of the connecting means 34 is connected to its associated flap 32 along a transverse fold line 35. It is to be noted that each connecting means 34 is provided with a centrally located heart shaped opening 36 which extends to the fold line 35. Outwardly of the opening 36, the connecting means 34 is provided with a longitudinal fold line 37. The heart shaped opening 36 defines a pair of prongs 38 which are disposed on opposite sides of the fold line 37.

The exterior outline of the connecting means 34 includes a transversely inwardly sloping boundary portion 40 which terminates in an outwardly flaring boundary portion 41. The boundary portion 41 terminates in an inwardly curved boundary portion 42.

The body panel 31 is provided with a pair of generally T-shaped finger receiving openings 43 at the intersection of four cans. At the formation of each finger receiving opening 43, a tab 44 is formed. The tabs 44 are hingedly connected to the body panel 31 remote from one another along transverse fold lines 45. Each tab 44 has hingedly connected thereto remote from the fold line 45 and along a diagonal fold line 46 a pair of wings 47. The wings 47 have edges defining shoulders 48.

When it is desired to protect the upper ends 25 of the cans C in a can package 20, the protective cover 22 is applied thereto. This is accomplished by positioning the body panel 31 in overlying relation to the cans C and then folding the flaps 32 down alongside opposite ends of the can package in the manner best shown in FIGURE 5. Each connecting means 34 is then folded relative to the respective flap 32 along the fold line 35. At the same time, the connecting means 34 is longitudinally folded along the fold line 37 so as to become of a double Wall thickness. In addition, there is an intermediate folding of the connecting means 34 along a continuation of the boundary portion 40 as at 49 in FIGURE 5. The connecting means 34, when folded, is in the form of an elongated finger. Furthermore, the prongs 38 combine to define a hook 50, which opens generally towards the intersection of the flap 32 and the body panel 31. The proportions of the connecting means 34 with respect to the can package 20 is such that it is necessary to provide the sheet 27 with a longitudinal slot 51 adjacent each end thereof between the endmost pairs of cans. The book 50 is passed through the slot 51 and interlocked with the package forming member 21 in the manner clearly shown in FIGURE 5.

It will be readily apparent from FIGURE 7, for example, that the tendency of the connecting means 34 to return to its normally fiat state serves to constantly open the connecting means. As a result, the hook 50 is automatically constantly retained in pressure engagement with the sheet 27.

The protective cover 22 is further interlocked with the package forming member 21 by depressing the tabs 44 down through the finger receiving openings 29. The proportions of the finger receiving openings 29 to the tabs 44 is such that the wings 47 are automatically folded together along the fold lines 46 as the wings pass through the finger receiving openings 29, after which the wings 47 spring open again and the shoulders 48 thereof lock beneath the plastic sheet 27.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the protective cover 22 is firmly interlocked with the package forming member 21. This holds the package forming member 22 in compressive engagement with the upper ends of the cans C so as to exclude the entrance of foreign matter therebetween.

If desired, the protective cover 22 may be provided with suitable identifying indicia or advertisement. However, for purposes of illustration, the protective cover 22 has been illustrated as being plain.

Referring now to FIGURES 8 and 9, it will be seen that there is illustrated a slightly modified form of protective cover which is generally referred to by the numeral 52. The protective cover 52 is identical with the protective cover 22 except that the longitudinal extent of the connecting means 34 has been increased and the connecting means of the protective cover 52 is identified by the numeral 53. The other portions of the protective cover 52 are identical with those of the protective cover 22 and will be identified by like reference numerals.

By elongating the connecting means 53, it is possible to eliminate the slit 51 in the package forming member 21. It is, however, necessary to change the longitudinal extent of each finger receiving opening 29 so that the hook S0 of the connecting means 53 may pass through the finger receiving opening 29 and interlock above the plastic sheet 27.

After the connecting means 53 have been interlocked with the package forming member 21, the tabs 44 may be folded down through the finger receiving opening 29 and the wings thereof interlocked beneath the plastic sheet 27 in the manner described above with respect to the protective cover 22.

Reference is now had to FIGURE 10 wherein there is illustrated another form of protective cover which is generally referred to by the numeral 60. The protective cover includes a main or body panel 61 which is ofthe same general outline as the body panel 31. At the opposite ends of the body panel 61 there is connected thereto along transverse fold lines 62, flaps 63. To each of the flaps 63 there is connected along a transverse fold line 64 longitudinally extending connecting means 65. Each connecting means 65 is defined along the opposite sides thereof by a concave boundary portion 66 which extends longitudinally outwardly from the fold line 64 and which terminates at its outer end in an inwardly flared boundary portion 67. Next, the connecting means 65 has a hook shaped boundary portion 68 which finally terminates in inwardly curved boundary portions 69.

Each connecting means 65 is provided with a longitudinally elongated cut out 70 which extends from a point remote from the fold line 64 to a point adjacent the free end of the connecting means 65. The cut out 70 is cen-- tered on the connecting means 65 and defines a pair of prongs 71 which are disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal fold line 72.

The connecting means 65 also includes a generally X- shaped fold line arrangement formed of diagonal fold lines 73 and 74 crossing at the center of the connecting means 65 and at the inner end of the cut outs 70.

The main panel 61 is also provided with cut outs 75 which correspond to the cut outs 43. Each cut out 75 defines a tab 76 which is connected to the body panel 61 along a transverse fold line 77. To each tab 76 there is connected along diagonal fold lines 78 a pair of wings 80 having shoulders 81. The tabs 76 are different from the tabs 44 in that each tab 76 is provided with a longitudinally slot 82 which extends from the fold line 77 substantially tothe end of the tab 76.

The protective cover 60 is applied to the can package 20 by first seating the main panel 61 on the upper ends of the cans C, and then folding the flaps 63 down alongside opposite ends of the can package. Then the connecting means 65 are folded in between the endmost pairs of the cans along the fold lines 64. As the connecting means 65 fold in between the cans, they simultaneously fold along the fold lines 72, 73 and 74 to form an elongated double wall finger like member having outwardly extending upper and lower hooks 83 and 84. The upper hook 83 extends upwardly through a respective finger receiving opening 29 and is locked above the plastic sheet 27.

After the hooks 83 are locked with the plastic sheet 27 in the manner generally shown in FIGURE 12, the tabs 76 are folded down through the finger receiving openings with the ends of the connecting means 65 being received in the slots 82. As the tabs 76 and the wings 80 thereof engage between the two adjacent cans, the tabs and wings are deformed with the shoulders 81 of the wings 80 locking beneath the plastic sheet 27 and the tabs being locked outwardly of the hooks 84. In this manner, the connecting means 65 also retains the tabs against accidental disengagement. In this manner the permanent interlocking of the protective cover 60 to the can package 20 is assured.

It is pointed out here that the tendency of the connecting means 65 is to return to its open or fiat condition. As a result, there is a continued wedging of each connecting means 65 between the pair of adjacent cans while at the same time the hooks 83 and 84 are generally spread apart to make a better interlock with the plastic sheet 27 and the tabs 76.

It will be readily apparent that the protective covers may be formed of relatively inexpensive material, such as paperboard, so as to be economically feasible. It is also readily apparent that due to the specific construction of the covers, they may be automatically interlocked with the can package body suitable machinery which in of itself is not part of this invention.

Although only several preferred embodiments of the protective cover have been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A protective cover for a package of containers, said cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect uppermost surfaces of containers, and connecting means projecting from opposite ends of said panel for interlocking engagement with a container package, each end of said cover being provided with a depending flap, and each of said connecting means projecting from one of said flaps, each of said connecting means being longitudinally folded to be of a double wall construction and including a terminal hook formation.

2. A protective cover for a package of containers, said cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect uppermost surfaces of containers, and connecting means projecting from opposite ends of said panel for interlocking engagement with a container package, each end of said cover being provided with a depending flap, and each of said connecting means projecting from one of said flaps, said connecting means extending inwardly in generally opposed relation to one another and in underlying relation to said panel, and each of said connecting means terminating at the inner end thereof in a hook formation facing generally outwardly and towards said anel. p 3. A protective cover for a package of containers, said cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect uppermost surfaces of containers, and connecting means projecting from opposite ends of said panel for interlocking engagement with a container package, each end of said cover being provided with a depending flap, and each of said connecting means projecting from one of said flaps, said panel having a pair of finger receiving openings defined by a pair of tabs struck from said panel, and each of said tabs presenting a pair of shoulders for interlocking engagement with a container package.

4. A protective cover for a package of containers, said cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect uppermost surfaces of containers, and connecting means projecting from opposite ends of said panel for interlocking engagement with a container package, each end of said cover being provided with a depending flap, and each of said connecting means .projecting from one of said flaps, said panel having a pair of finger receiving openings defined by a pair of tabs struck from said panel, and each of said tabs presenting a pair of shoulders for interlocking engagement with a container package, each of said tabs having means for interlocking with said connecting means.

5. A protective cover for a package of containers, said cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect uppermost surfaces of containers, and connecting means projecting from opposite ends'of said panel for interlocking engagement with a container package, each end of said cover being provided with a depending flap, and each of said connecting means projecting from one of said flaps, said panel having a pair of finger receiving openings defined by a pair of tabs struck from said panel, and each of said tabs presenting a pair of shoulders for interlocking engagement with a container package, each of said tabs having a slot for receiving said connecting means, and each "of said connecting means including a double hook formation, one for engagement with a container package and the other for engagement with said tab.

6. A protective cover for a package of cans of the type comprising cans arranged in two rows and a sheet like package forming member snugly receiving upper portions of cans with the ends of the cans being exposed and the package forming member having finger receiving openings facilitating the handling of the package; said protective cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect upper ends of cans, and hook means projecting from opposite ends of said panel for passage between a pair of cans and for interlocking engagement with the package forming member.

7. A protective cover for a package of cans of the type comprising cans arranged in two rows and a sheet like package forming member snugly receiving upper portions of cans with the ends of the cans being exposed and the package forming member having finger receiving openings facilitating the handling of the package; said protective cover comprising a panel of a size to overlie and protect upper ends of cans, and hook means ,pro-' jecting from opposite ends of said panel for passage between a pair of cans and for interlocking engagement with the package forming member, said panel having a pair of finger receiving openings defined by a pair of tabs struck from said panel, and each of said tabs having means for passage through a package forming member and locking engagement therewith, and each tab having, means for interlocking engagement with said connecting means.

8. An elongated can package comprising a plurality of cans arranged in two parallel rows, a sheet like package forming member snugly receiving upper portions of said cans and locking said cans together as a unit, I an elongated protective cover having a-panel overlyin upper ends of said cans and connecting means at the opposite ends thereof interlocking with said package forming member, said connecting means being disposed between the two rows of cans.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Lathrop.

' 1,081,981 12/1913 Palmer 229-45 X 1,174,605 3/1916 Palmer 229-5 1,525,687 2/1925 Owens 229-36 2,116,431 5/1938 611110 et 211.

8 Reeser 229-23 X Poupitch 206-65 Kidd 206-65 Harrison 206-65 Copping 206-65 Poupitch 206-65 Rapata 206-65 Whiteford 206-65 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. 10 MARTHA L. RICE, Examiner. 

1. A PROTECTIVE COVER FOR A PACKAGE OF CONTAINERS, SAID COVER COMPRISING A PANEL OF A SIZE TO OVERLIE AND PROTECT UPPERMOST SURFACES OF CONTAINERS, AND CONNECTING MEANS PROJECTING FROM OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID PANEL FOR INTERLOCKING ENGAGEMENT WITH A CONTAINER PACKAGE, EACH END OF SAID COVER BEING PROVIDED WITH A DEPENDING FLAP, AND EACH OF SAID CONNECTING MEANS PROJECTING FROM ONE OF 